In the summer of 2008, I embarked on a summer semester in the Czech Republic, in the city of Brno. Armed with anticipation and excitement, I arrived open and sincere to learning at a new university and experiencing a country and way of life different from my own. And, every year, thousands of bright-eyed and sharp-minded students come to Canada to do the same thing. Except instead of simply spending a summer studying in a foreign land “just for fun,” international students dedicate up to five years of their life pursuing a post-secondary education, in some cases a second language, and ultimately a new way of life.

Whether you are a young adult starting your undergraduate degree, a foreign-educated professional continuing schooling, a part-time student or a mature student, juggling a new country and an academic career can be trying at the best of times. Some of the daunting questions that come to international students’ mind include: Am I allowed to work? Why are classes structured so strangely? And what’s up with the weather?

“For me, the most difficult aspect of being a new student to Canada has been the aspect of getting used to the culture of accents,” explains Ali Hirji who emigrated from Dubai in mid-2006 to study South Asian studies and sociology at York University in Ontario. Although Hirji was proficient in English upon his arrival, getting used to Canadian slang proved trying. “I don’t think most people realize how challenging it is to assimilate into a culture different from your own.”

The Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) found in its 2009 survey on international student satisfaction that international students in Canada struggle most with finding accommodations, cultural and racial sensitivities, immigration and institutional presence outside Canada, and integrating with their Canadian peers.

Immigration status
Although it is solely a student’s responsibility to maintain their immigration status and obey immigration regulations while in Canada, colleges and universities understand the stressful nature of immigration and do their best to help students through the red tape. International student advisers knowledgeable about immigration law can be found on any university or college campus. Often, schools will even host information sessions with representatives from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).

School websites and international student orientation guides are also extremely comprehensive in answering students’ most frequently asked questions such as “My study permit already expired, what do I do now?” or “How and when do I apply for my post-graduate work permit?” or “How do I become a permanent Canadian resident through the Canadian experience class?”

“The most common overall issue that international students come to seek our help and advice about is immigration,” explains John Porter, director of international operations and student services at Toronto’s George Brown College. “International students have lots of very good questions about all [sorts of] immigration matters and more, [so] we have dedicated staff to assist students with these complicated issues.”

Recently, fewer students than in the past have reported major problems with immigration officials or processes according to cbie’s international student satisfaction survey, however for other students there may be extenuating circumstances or it simply takes time getting used to the bureaucracy.

Some good advice? Fill out all applications carefully and get someone to double check the application if possible — if a form is filled out incorrectly, it can set you back months in your studies. Once completed, be patient with your application as there is always going to be a backlog in processing. The CIC call centre (1-888-242-2100) is a good resource if you have any particular questions with your application. Again, have patience as it can take up to an hour to get through to an immigration officer on the phone.

Culture shock
For Hirji, immigration complications were personally not an issue, but as a sociology student he did find frustration with the systemic challenges of immigration to Canada and being a newcomer.

“I wouldn’t call it discrimination per se, but it has been difficult to digest no longer being in a space of majority, but rather in a space of minority,” Hirji explains eloquently and politely. He cites an example from shortly after he arrived in Canada where he visited a local money transfer location to send money to family back home in Dubai. Thinking everything was fine, he left the location, only to be called back two hours later because there was a security block on his name.

“I admit, this shaped my interactions [with Canadian society] for the next few months,” he confesses. But he acknowledges that as an immigrant — whether student or not — the world has changed and being in Canada does not make one immune to the global politics of the world.

When asked whether they have experienced any form of racism or discrimination as an international student in Canada, the CBIE’s survey found that about six in 10 indicated they have not.

Still, many international students do grapple with cultural and racial sensitivities and having to cope with these cultural stresses alone can exacerbate a situation, lead to isolation and ultimately create an unpleasant experience during a time that is supposed to be full of fulfilment and growth.

Sarita Gosrani, who came to Canada from Kenya in 2005 to study economics at the University of Toronto, admits that she struggled with depression during her first year. Coming alone halfway across the world as a 19-year-old, there was culture shock to work through, stresses about financial matters, homesickness and, of course, the Canadian winter.

“The single biggest obstacle for me has been the winter,” Gosrani says, all joking aside. “I really did not expect the cold and it is an obstacle I admit I still haven’t overcome, but you just have to find something you enjoy about the winter that will keep you going. For me, it was winter sports.” As simple as it sounds, Gosrani adds that buying and investing in warm, good-quality winter clothing is essential.

Gosrani, whose immediate family lives in Kenya and whose extended family and friends reside in England, has only been able to make the trip back home to Kenya twice since she started and completed her undergrad.

“I was sad and homesick in my first year,” Gosrani remembers, adding that seeing a close friend from Kenya return home after only four months in Canada didn’t help matters.
“At first, making friends was hard because there was such a culture shock. But getting a job on campus helped me most because I met other international students going through the same thing, I made friends, and most importantly I was able to support myself.”

Money matters
The average tuition and ancillary fees for domestic students enrolled in an arts and science program in Canada currently stands at $6,100. Compare this to the staggering $17,200 an international student pays for the same education and it comes as no surprise that some international students are struggling to make ends meet.

“The [reason] for the tuition difference between international and domestic students (outside of Quebec) is that international students are paying the full cost of their education, unlike domestic students who are subsidized heavily by the government,” notes Michelle Suderman, associate director of international student development at the University of British Columbia. “There doesn’t seem to be an interest in Canada right now to subsidize the post-secondary education of international students, whose families may not have been paying into the tax base.”

Important for new international students to know is that you will be paying the full cost of your tuition, that you will not likely be eligible for most forms of federal or provincial aid, and that tuition and fees will increase during your studies in Canada.

It comes as little surprise then that many Canadian schools eagerly welcome international students, who brought $6.5 billion to the Canadian economy in 2008 alone.
There are, however, some scholarships available for international students and all full-time international students paying international fees are entitled to apply for the International Student Tuition Bursary and other bursaries and grants, including for those in special circumstances or emergency and urgent situations.

Deanna (name changed for privacy), who came to Canada from Eastern Europe and studied politics and economics at the University of Toronto, admits that financing her undergraduate education was a difficult experience, which resulted in sacrifices for everyone in her family.
“I would strongly suggest to all international students to continuously research available grants, bursaries or any financial aid you may qualify for. Your college is the first place of contact,” she suggests.

Deanna stresses that it can sometimes be worth submitting an application, even if you may not think you qualify or meet the criteria.
“Just know that there is always something available, just maybe not as substantial as you would like,” she adds. Deanna, like Gosrani also advises students struggling financially to work part time during the school year and, if possible, full time during the summer.

“Really, my job has helped me the most,” says Gosrani on how she has adjusted culturally to Canada and helped afford her tuition costs. “I was working to support myself at the time, but I also met people [who were] going through the same thing as me. I built skills and experience and really opened myself up to the Canadian culture.”
International students are eligible to work on campus and a majority have found that on-campus employment is a great option because it not only offers financial and socio-cultural benefits, but work hours tend to be flexible — an important aspect for students pursuing demanding academics.

Other tips to offset the costs of education in Canada? Buy used textbooks either from the bookstore or online. Using course reserves and the library in general can also save you some money. Most universities and colleges also have textbook bursaries for which international as well as domestic students can apply.

Academic life
Of course, there are many other hurdles international students face upon arrival in Canada and within an academic community. Angela Hansen, a student adviser at the U of T’s University College sees every day the struggles both international and domestic students face adjusting to the academic culture of university. She herself was new to Canada when she enrolled in sociology and gender studies at York University.

“As a new student, I had difficulties with the way things were done and taught, especially writing essays — that was difficult,” she says. A German native, she enrolled in ESL classes at York U although her English was close to perfect. Now advising students on how to succeed in university, Hansen suggests that all international students take an English course to help practise their written communication skills.

“My advice especially for incoming international students is don’t overload yourself. Go with the flow, be aware of your surroundings and, most importantly, ask questions,” she emphasizes. “Ask, ask, ask!”

Accessing campus international student centres and their plethora of services cannot be overemphasized. Such centres can provide information and referral services, certification letters, international student orientations, homestay accommodation services and more. In addition to practical services, these hubs of activity also connect you with excellent programs regarding integration into Canadian society.

Campuses may offer intercultural learning services, one-on-one student advising, English communication programs, cross-cultural counselling, and international peer programs in which upper-year international students are matched up with incoming first-year students in a healthy mentoring relationship.

While the obstacles and battles international students face may seem daunting at first — immigration regulations, cultural adjustment, financial issues, getting used to the academic culture — almost any international student will tell you the struggle is worth it.

“It is not an easy ride, yet if you commit, try your best and remain patient, you can make this the time of your life and an invaluable experience,” says Deanna, who, after graduation, found a job and is currently working on getting permanent resident status.

For Hirji, who is currently finishing up his master’s degree in sociology at York U and transitioning into a successful media and public relations career in Toronto, his best piece of advice for international students is to stop feeling like you need to prove you are worthy of being in Canada. “Take a step back, breathe and just be yourself.”

And while Gosrani has plans to move to England this fall, she doesn’t doubt that Canada has installed in her some of life’s greatest lessons.

“Coming to Canada definitely has made me more independent, more outgoing and more open-minded,” she shares. “I have learned so much from the people I have met, I have learned to manage my life, and for all that I have become a stronger person.”

Her advice for international students is simple: don’t give up. “It’s well worth it in the end when you have your [Canadian] degree.” And possibly Canadian permanent residency.

2 Responses to “The life of international students in Canada is eye opening”

I moved to Canada 3 years ago. I graduated from a Canadian College, then started to work. But with January 2015 the changed the system and implemented Express Entry. AS INTERNATIONAL STUDENT on a Post Graduate Work Permit YOU WILL NOT GET ENOUGH POINTS TO APPLY FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCY. You have to leave when your work permit expires. THAT IS SOO SAD!!!